CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.
2019-121400 filed on June 28, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including the specification,
claims, drawings, and abstract.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present description discloses an autonomous vehicle speed control device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Autonomous vehicles capable of performing automatic driving are conventionally known.
Automatic driving means that a computer executes at least a part of various driving
controls including vehicle speed control and steering control. Generally, autonomous
vehicles are operable in a plurality of driving modes, which include an automatic
driving mode for performing automatic driving and a manual driving mode for enabling
an operator in the autonomous vehicle to perform driving control.
[0004] It is conventionally known that, even in the automatic driving mode, an operator
in an autonomous vehicle may want to control the vehicle speed of the autonomous vehicle,
and there has been a case of providing a mechanical operation unit in an autonomous
vehicle for enabling the operator to perform vehicle speed control in the automatic
driving mode. The mechanical operation unit is not a foot-operated pedal such as an
accelerator pedal or a brake pedal provided in conventional automotive vehicles, and
is provided higher than a seat surface of an operator's seat to enable the operator
to operate the unit by hand.
[0005] For example,
JP 2018-136714 A discloses an autonomous vehicle capable of performing autonomous driving, in which
a mechanical operation unit (a joystick) is provided for enabling manual operation
by an operator to perform vehicle speed control in the automatic driving mode.
[0006] Incidentally, it is conceivable that the operator may use a touch panel to perform
vehicle speed control for the autonomous vehicle in the automatic driving mode. For
example, the touch panel displays a vehicle speed control button so that the operator
can operate this button to realize the vehicle speed control. Since the burden on
the operator can be reduced during the automatic driving mode, it becomes easy for
the operator to visually recognize information displayed on the touch panel. Therefore,
performing the vehicle speed control using the touch panel makes it easy to grasp
the information (for example, vehicle information, environmental information, and
message from outside the vehicle) displayed on the touch panel.
[0007] On the other hand, the operator may manually drive the autonomous vehicle in a mode
other than the automatic driving mode (for example, during the manual driving mode).
When the operator performs manual driving, operation using the mechanical operation
unit is considered to be desirable rather than operation using the touch panel, because
not only the vehicle speed control but also various operations including a handling
control are required. Accordingly, it is considered desirable for the autonomous vehicle
to be provided with the mechanical operation unit in addition to the touch panel.
[0008] As described above, when the autonomous vehicle is equipped with the touch panel
for performing vehicle speed control in the automatic driving mode and the mechanical
operation unit for performing driving control, if the mode currently selected is the
automatic driving mode, it is assumed that the operator intends to perform vehicle
speed control operations using the touch panel. In such a situation, if the operator
unintentionally operates the mechanical operation unit while operating the touch panel,
or if another occupant operates the mechanical operation unit while the operator is
operating the touch panel, speed controls not intended by the operator may be performed.
[0009] An autonomous vehicle speed control device disclosed in the present description is
applicable to an autonomous vehicle that is equipped with a touch panel for performing
vehicle speed control operations in the automatic driving mode and is further equipped
with a mechanical operation unit for performing vehicle speed control operations,
and intends to suppress performance of vehicle speed controls not intended by an operator
in the automatic driving mode.
SUMMARY
[0010] The autonomous vehicle speed control device disclosed in the present description
is an autonomous vehicle speed control device provided in an autonomous vehicle capable
of driving in a plurality of modes including an automatic driving mode for performing
automatic driving, including
a touch panel on which a vehicle speed control button for inputting a vehicle speed
control instruction to the autonomous vehicle is displayed or is to be displayed,
a mechanical operation unit provided higher than a seat surface of a seat of the autonomous
vehicle and configured to input a vehicle speed control instruction to the autonomous
vehicle by manual operation, and
a vehicle speed control unit configured to control the vehicle speed of the autonomous
vehicle by prioritizing the vehicle speed control instruction input from the touch
panel over the vehicle speed control instruction input from the mechanical operation
unit, in the automatic driving mode.
[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, in the case of operation in the automatic
driving mode, when an operator performs the vehicle speed control using the touch
panel, the vehicle speed control instruction input from the touch panel is prioritized
over the vehicle speed control instruction input from the mechanical operation unit
even when the mechanical operation unit is operated. Therefore, performance of a vehicle
speed control not intended by the operator can be suppressed.
[0012] A mechanical emergency-stop operation unit for inputting a stop instruction to the
autonomous vehicle may be further provided, and the vehicle speed control unit may
cause or may be configured to cause the autonomous vehicle to stop by prioritizing
the stop instruction input from the emergency stop operation unit over the vehicle
speed control instructions input from the touch panel and the mechanical operation
unit.
[0013] The vehicle speed control unit may, or may be configured, in the automatic driving
mode, to prioritize a deceleration control instruction input from the touch panel
over the vehicle speed control instruction input from the mechanical operation unit
and to cause the autonomous vehicle to decelerate.
[0014] The mechanical operation unit may be storable or may be stored in a storage part
or storage compartment covered with a lid.
[0015] It is desirable that the vehicle speed control unit be configured, in the automatic
driving mode, to invalidate the vehicle speed control instruction from the mechanical
operation unit.
[0016] It may be the case that a foot-operated pedal for inputting a vehicle speed control
instruction to the autonomous vehicle is not provided.
[0017] According to the autonomous vehicle speed control device described in the present
description, the autonomous vehicle is equipped with the touch panel for performing
vehicle speed control operations in the automatic driving mode and is further equipped
with the mechanical operation unit for performing vehicle speed control operations,
and can suppress performance of vehicle speed controls not intended by an operator
in the automatic driving mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure will be described based on the following
figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an autonomous vehicle according to the present
embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a first perspective diagram illustrating the interior of a passenger compartment
of the autonomous vehicle according to the present embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a second perspective diagram illustrating the interior of the passenger
compartment of the autonomous vehicle according to the present embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen of a touch panel to be displayed
when the vehicle is stopped;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen of the touch panel to be displayed
at the time of automatic traveling;
FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram illustrating a mechanical operation unit; and
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a driving control device according
to the present embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an autonomous vehicle 10 according to the
present embodiment. In each drawing of the present description, the terms "front (FR)"
and "rear" indicate front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and
the terms "left (LH)" and "right" indicate left and right when facing forward, and
"up (UP)" and "down" indicate up and down in the vertical direction of the vehicle.
[0020] The autonomous vehicle 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped and has a
shape symmetrical in the front-rear direction, and an appearance design thereof is
symmetrical in the longitudinal direction. A pillar 12 extending in the vertical direction
is provided at each of four corners in a plan view, and a wheel 14 is provided below
each pillar 12. Most of front, rear, left, and right side walls of the autonomous
vehicle 10 are semitransparent panels 16. Each panel 16 may be configured as a display
panel, on which characters or the like can be displayed.
[0021] Apart of the left side panel is constituted as a slidable door 18, so that an occupant
can get on and off by sliding and opening the door 18. Although not illustrated in
FIG. 1, retractable ramp equipment configured to be taken out and in is stored below
the door 18. The ramp equipment can be used for loading and unloading a wheelchair
or the like.
[0022] Further, the autonomous vehicle 10 is a vehicle capable of performing autonomous
driving. Specifically, the autonomous vehicle 10 is configured to perform driving
in a plurality of driving modes including an automatic driving mode, a semi-automatic
driving mode, and a manual driving mode.
[0023] The automatic driving mode is a driving mode in which a computer (serving as a driving
control unit (described below)) mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 performs most
of driving control. In the present description, the driving control is a concept including
shift change control, vehicle speed control, and steering control. Further, the vehicle
speed control is also a concept including start control, stop control, and acceleration/deceleration
control for the autonomous vehicle 10. The autonomous vehicle 10 is configured to
be able to communicate with a management center that manages and controls a plurality
of autonomous vehicles 10. In the automatic driving mode, the autonomous vehicle 10
travels along a predetermined route under the control of the management center. In
the automatic driving mode, the computer performs the driving control according to
driving instructions from the management center. However, the start control performed
in a stop state requires an operation by an operator in the autonomous vehicle 10.
[0024] The semi-automatic driving mode is a driving mode similar to the automatic driving
mode in that the computer mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 performs most of the
driving control for the autonomous vehicle 10. In the semi-automatic driving mode,
without depending on instructions from the management center, the computer performs
driving control based on detection results obtained by various sensors (for example,
a camera or a lidar) provided on the autonomous vehicle 10, and travels along a predetermined
route. However, even in the semi-automatic driving mode, the start control performed
in a stop state requires an operation by an operator in the autonomous vehicle 10.
[0025] The manual driving mode is a mode in which the autonomous vehicle 10 does not perform
autonomous driving and an operator in the autonomous vehicle 10 performs driving control
for the autonomous vehicle 10.
[0026] The autonomous vehicle 10 is a shared vehicle for riding by an unspecified large
number of occupants. In the present embodiment, the autonomous vehicle 10 is used
as a bus that carries passengers while traveling along a predetermined route in a
specific site. Accordingly, the autonomous vehicle 10 is supposed to repeat stopping
and starting relatively frequently. Further, the autonomous vehicle 10 is supposed
to travel relatively slowly (e.g., at 30 km/h or less).
[0027] However, the usage form of the autonomous vehicle 10 disclosed in the present description
is appropriately changeable. For example, the autonomous vehicle 10 may be used as
a movable business space, or as a shop such as a retail shop that displays and sells
various commodities or as a restaurant that cooks and provides food and drink. Further,
as another form, the autonomous vehicle 10 may be used as an office for various types
of office work, meeting with customers, and the like. Further, the use scene of the
autonomous vehicle 10 is not limited to business use. For example, the autonomous
vehicle 10 may be used as personal transportation means. Further, the traveling pattern
or the traveling speed of the autonomous vehicle 10 may be changed appropriately.
[0028] The autonomous vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle having, as a prime mover, a driving
motor that receives power supply from batteries. Each battery is a secondary battery
configured to be chargeable and dischargeable, and is periodically charged by an external
power source. The autonomous vehicle 10 is not limited to the electric vehicle and
may be another type of vehicle. For example, the autonomous vehicle 10 may be a vehicle
equipped with an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine) serving as a prime mover,
or may be a hybrid vehicle equipped with both an engine and a driving motor each serving
as a prime mover. Further, the autonomous vehicle 10 may be a hydrogen fueled vehicle
that drives a driving motor with electric power generated by fuel cells.
[0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective diagrams illustrating the interior of a passenger compartment
of the autonomous vehicle 10. As mentioned above, since the autonomous vehicle 10
is used as a bus, the passenger compartment includes a central part configured as
a floor 20 available for standing occupants or wheelchaired occupants. Further, occupant
seats 22 are provided along sidewalls in the passenger compartment.
[0030] The autonomous vehicle 10 includes an operator seat 24 provided for an operator who
controls driving of the autonomous vehicle 10 and operates each device (such as an
air conditioner or windshield wipers) provided in the autonomous vehicle 10. FIG.
2 illustrates a state where a seat body 24a of the operator seat 24 is reclined so
that a seat surface 24b appears. The seat body 24a is configured to be flipped up.
In the present embodiment, the operator seat 24 is provided on the left side in the
passenger compartment and adjacent to the front side of the door 18, although the
operator seat 24 may be provided on the right side in the passenger compartment.
[0031] An armrest 26 extending in the front-rear direction to enable an operator sitting
on the operator seat 24 to place his/her arm is provided on the front side of the
operator seat 24. As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, since the operator
seat 24 is provided on the left side in the passenger compartment, the armrest 26
is disposed at the left end in the passenger compartment. If the operator seat 24
is provided on the right side in the passenger compartment, the armrest 26 is disposed
at the right end in the passenger compartment. The armrest 26 is provided higher than
the seat surface 24b of the operator seat 24 in a reclined state.
[0032] A touch panel 28 standing upright from an upper surface of the armrest 26 is provided
at a front end of the armrest 26 (see FIG. 3). The touch panel 28 faces the rear side
(that is, the operator seat 24 side). Accordingly, the operator can manually operate
the touch panel 28 while sitting on the operator seat 24 and placing his/her arm on
the armrest 26. The touch panel 28 enables the operator to input a vehicle speed control
instruction in the automatic driving mode and input a device control instruction to
each device (blinkers, a horn, headlights, the air conditioner, the windshield wipers,
and the like) provided in the autonomous vehicle 10. A display screen of the touch
panel 28 will be described in detail below.
[0033] Further, a storage compartment 30 such as a console box, which can store a mechanical
operation unit for inputting a driving control instruction to the autonomous vehicle
10, is provided in the armrest 26. The storage compartment 30 is covered with a lid
32. That is, when stored in the storage compartment 30 the mechanical operation unit
is not exposed to the interior of the passenger compartment. In the present embodiment,
the upper surface of the armrest 26 and the lid 32 are disposed on the same plane.
In the present embodiment, although the storage compartment 30 is provided in the
armrest 26, the storage compartment 30 may be provided in a place other than the armrest
26. Even in such a case, it is desirable that the storage compartment 30 is provided
in an inconspicuous place, for example, at one of front, rear, left, and right ends
in the interior of the passenger compartment. The storage compartment 30, the lid
32, and the mechanical operation unit will be described in detail below.
[0034] Further, a mechanical emergency-stop operation unit 34 for inputting an (emergency)
stop instruction to the autonomous vehicle 10 is provided on the upper surface of
the armrest 26. In the present embodiment, the emergency-stop operation unit 34 is
a button.
[0035] The autonomous vehicle 10 is provided with the touch panel 28, the mechanical operation
unit, and the emergency-stop operation unit 34, as only three operation devices for
inputting vehicle speed control instructions to the autonomous vehicle 10. That is,
the autonomous vehicle 10 is not provided with a foot-operated pedal for inputting
a vehicle speed control instruction, such as an accelerator pedal or a brake pedal
provided in conventional automotive vehicles or the like.
[0036] A display device 36 that displays information relating to the autonomous vehicle
10 is provided at a front left corner in the passenger compartment (see FIG. 3). The
information displayed on the display device 36 includes, for example, vehicle speed
of the autonomous vehicle 10, ambient temperature, and the next stop. Like the touch
panel 28, the display device 36 faces the rear side so that the touch panel 28 and
the display device 36 are disposed side by side when seen by the operator sitting
on the operator seat 24. Thus, suitably, the operator can visually recognize both
the touch panel 28 and the display device 36. The display device 36 and the touch
panel 28 may be positioned at the same height. Specifically, the touch panel 28 and
the display device 36 are disposed in such a manner that the upper edge of the display
device 36 and the upper edge of the touch panel 28 are at the same height, the lower
edge of the display device 36 and the lower edge of the touch panel 28 are at the
same height, or the altitudinal center of the display device 36 and the altitudinal
center of the touch panel 28 are at the same height.
[0037] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate exemplary screens to be displayed on the touch panel 28.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary screen displayed when the autonomous vehicle 10 is
in the automatic driving mode and is stopped. FIG. 5 is an exemplary screen displayed
when the autonomous vehicle 10 is in the automatic driving mode and is traveling.
[0038] First, with reference to FIG. 4, when the autonomous vehicle 10 is in the automatic
driving mode and is stopped, a GO button 40 serving as a vehicle speed control button
for inputting a vehicle speed control instruction to the autonomous vehicle 10 is
displayed on the touch panel 28. The GO button 40 is a button for inputting a start
instruction to the autonomous vehicle 10. When the GO button 40 is operated, the autonomous
vehicle 10 starts traveling (in the automatic driving mode, in this case).
[0039] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, when the autonomous vehicle 10 is in the automatic
driving mode and is traveling, a SLOWDOWN button 42 serving as a vehicle speed control
button is displayed on the touch panel 28, instead of the GO button 40. The SLOWDOWN
button 42 is a button for inputting a deceleration control instruction to the autonomous
vehicle 10. When the SLOWDOWN button 42 is operated, the autonomous vehicle 10 decelerates.
The SLOWDOWN button 42 may be repetitively operated to cause the autonomous vehicle
10 to stop as intended.
[0040] In the present embodiment, when the vehicle is traveling in the automatic driving
mode, the vehicle speed control that the operator can input is only the deceleration
control instruction. However, in addition to the SLOWDOWN button 42, a button for
inputting an acceleration control instruction or a button for inputting a stop instruction
may be displayed so that the operator can input the acceleration control instruction
or the stop instruction. Needless to say, in the automatic driving mode, the autonomous
vehicle 10 can automatically decelerate or stop according to instructions from the
management center. When the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped, the GO button 40 is
displayed again, instead of the SLOWDOWN button 42, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0041] Buttons displayed on the touch panel 28 include, in addition to the vehicle speed
control button, driving mode buttons 44 for inputting driving mode change instructions,
shift buttons 46 for inputting shift change control instructions, a P brake button
48 for inputting a motor-driven parking brake activation/release instruction, and
various device control buttons for inputting device control instructions to devices
provided in the autonomous vehicle 10. According to the examples illustrated in FIGS.
4 and 5, blinker buttons 50 for controlling blinkers, a hazard button 52 for activating
a hazard warning system, a horn button 54 for operating the horn, light buttons 56
for controlling headlights and taillights, an air conditioner tab 58 for controlling
the air conditioner, and a windshield wiper tab 60 for controlling the windshield
wipers are displayed as the device control buttons. When the air conditioner tab 58
is touched, various buttons for controlling the air conditioner are displayed. When
the windshield wiper tab 60 is touched, various buttons for controlling the windshield
wipers are displayed. The driving mode buttons 44 are operable only when the autonomous
vehicle 10 is stopped. Further, in the present embodiment, the shift buttons 46 are
not operable in the automatic driving mode, because shift change by an operator's
operation is restricted.
[0042] Further, other information displayed on the touch panel 28 includes remaining battery
level of the autonomous vehicle 10, opened/closed state of the door 18, state of the
ramp equipment, and detection states of various sensors provided in the autonomous
vehicle 10.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a mechanical operation unit 70 pulled out of the storage compartment
30. The mechanical operation unit 70 has a stick shape and keeps an upright posture
when stored in the storage compartment 30 so as to be raised in the vertical direction.
Storing the mechanical operation unit 70 in the storage compartment 30 can prevent
the operator from erroneously operating the mechanical operation unit 70 or prevent
another occupant from operating the mechanical operation unit 70. The lid 32 may be
configured to be locked so that occupants other than the operator cannot open the
lid 32. Further, the space in the vehicle can be effectively used when the mechanical
operation unit 70 is stored in the storage compartment 30.
[0044] When the operator opens the lid 32 and pulls out the mechanical operation unit 70
upward, the mechanical operation unit 70 becomes operable as illustrated in FIG. 6.
Alternatively, a switch may be provided in the storage compartment 30, so that the
mechanical operation unit 70 automatically moves upward from the storage compartment
30 when the switch is operated. In the operable state, the mechanical operation unit
70 is in a state where it stands upright from the upper surface of the armrest 26.
The mechanical operation unit 70 is provided higher than the seat surfaces of the
seats in the autonomous vehicle 10. In particular, as described above, since the armrest
26 is provided higher than the seat surface 24b of the operator seat 24 in the reclined
state, it is obvious that the mechanical operation unit 70 is positioned higher than
the seat surface 24b in the reclined state.
[0045] The mechanical operation unit 70 is mainly pulled out of the storage compartment
30 when the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10 is the manual driving mode.
When the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10 is the automatic driving mode or
the semi-automatic driving mode, it is desirable that the mechanical operation unit
70 is stored in the storage compartment 30 so as to prevent erroneous operation of
the mechanical operation unit 70.
[0046] The mechanical operation unit 70 is operable by hand. The mechanical operation unit
70 is a lever type that is manually operable. That is, the mechanical operation unit
70 is configured to be tiltable in the front, rear, left, and right directions with
a lower edge thereof as a fulcrum. When the mechanical operation unit 70 is tilted
forward, an acceleration control instruction can be input to the autonomous vehicle
10. When the mechanical operation unit 70 is tilted rearward, a deceleration control
instruction can be input to the autonomous vehicle 10. Further, when the mechanical
operation unit 70 is tilted leftward, a left-turn control instruction can be input
to the autonomous vehicle 10. When the mechanical operation unit 70 is tilted rightward,
a right-turn control instruction can be input to the autonomous vehicle 10.
[0047] Further, mechanical device control switches for inputting device control instructions
to the devices provided in the autonomous vehicle 10 are provided at an upper part
of the mechanical operation unit 70. In the present embodiment, switches for controlling
the notification to the outside of the vehicle are provided as the device control
switches. Specifically, blinker switches 72 for operating the blinkers and a horn
switch 74 for activating the horn are provided. As described above, the mechanical
operation unit 70 can be used not only when instructing the acceleration/deceleration
control and the turning control but also when operating the blinkers and the horn.
Needless to say, the device control switches on the mechanical operation unit 70 may
include additional switches for controlling other devices.
[0048] In the present embodiment, the touch panel 28 is disposed at the front end of the
armrest 26 and the mechanical operation unit 70 stands upright on the armrest 26.
That is, the touch panel 28 and the mechanical operation unit 70 are disposed adjacently.
In the present embodiment, even when the driving control is performed using the mechanical
operation unit 70, the touch panel 28 is usable to operate the devices provided in
the autonomous vehicle 10. Accordingly, since the touch panel 28 and the mechanical
operation unit 70 are adjacent to each other, the operator can suitably operate both
the touch panel 28 and the mechanical operation unit 70.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a driving control device 80 provided
on the autonomous vehicle 10. The driving control device 80 includes the touch panel
28, the emergency-stop operation unit 34, and the mechanical operation unit 70, which
are described above, and is configured to further include a driving mode selection
unit 82 and a driving control unit 84. The driving mode selection unit 82 and the
driving control unit 84 can be realized by cooperation of hardware such as a processor
and software that causes the hardware to operate.
[0050] The driving mode selection unit 82 selects, as the driving mode of the autonomous
vehicle 10, any one of the automatic driving mode, the semi-automatic driving mode,
and the manual driving mode. Specifically, the driving mode selection unit 82 selects
the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10 based on the driving mode change instruction
that has been input to the touch panel 28 by the operator. The driving mode selected
by the driving mode selection unit 82 is notified to the driving control unit 84.
[0051] The driving control unit 84 performs driving control for the autonomous vehicle 10
based on an instruction input from the touch panel 28, the emergency-stop operation
unit 34, or the mechanical operation unit 70.
[0052] Specifically, upon receiving the start instruction from the touch panel 28 when the
GO button 40 (see FIG. 4) of the touch panel 28 is touched, the driving control unit
84 releases the motor-driven parking brake and controls the prime mover to cause the
autonomous vehicle 10 to start traveling. Further, upon receiving the deceleration
control instruction from the touch panel 28 when the SLOWDOWN button 42 (see FIG.
5) of the touch panel 28 is touched, the driving control unit 84 controls the prime
mover and the brake to cause the autonomous vehicle 10 to decelerate.
[0053] When the mechanical operation unit 70 is tilted forward, the driving control unit
84 controls the prime mover to accelerate the autonomous vehicle 10 upon receiving
the acceleration control instruction from the mechanical operation unit 70. Further,
when the mechanical operation unit 70 is tilted rearward, the driving control unit
84 controls the prime mover or the brake to cause the autonomous vehicle 10 to decelerate
upon receiving the deceleration control instruction from the mechanical operation
unit 70. Further, when the mechanical operation unit 70 is tilted leftward, the driving
control unit 84 controls the directions of the wheels 14 of the autonomous vehicle
10 to cause the autonomous vehicle 10 to turn left upon receiving the left-turn control
instruction from the mechanical operation unit 70. When the mechanical operation unit
70 is tilted rightward, the driving control unit 84 controls the directions of the
wheels 14 of the autonomous vehicle 10 to cause the autonomous vehicle 10 to turn
right upon receiving the right-turn control instruction from the mechanical operation
unit 70.
[0054] Further, when the emergency-stop operation unit 34 is operated, the driving control
unit 84 controls the prime mover and the brake to cause the autonomous vehicle 10
to stop immediately upon receiving the stop instruction from the emergency-stop operation
unit 34.
[0055] In the case of operation in the automatic driving mode, the driving control unit
84 performs driving control for the autonomous vehicle 10 based on driving instructions
received from the management center. Further, in the case of operation in the semi-automatic
driving mode, the driving control unit 84 performs driving control for the autonomous
vehicle 10 based on detection results by various sensors of the autonomous vehicle
10.
[0056] As mentioned above, the driving control unit 84 executes the driving control including
the vehicle speed control for the autonomous vehicle 10. Accordingly, the driving
control unit 84 functions as a vehicle speed control unit, and the driving control
device 80 functions as a vehicle speed control device.
[0057] Irrespective of the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10, the driving control
unit 84 can perform driving control for the autonomous vehicle 10 based on driving
control instructions from the touch panel 28 and the mechanical operation unit 70.
However, when the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10 is either the automatic
driving mode or the semi-automatic driving mode, the driving control unit 84 prioritizes
a vehicle speed control instruction input from the touch panel 28 over a vehicle speed
control instruction input from the mechanical operation unit 70 and executes the vehicle
speed control for the autonomous vehicle 10 based on the prioritized instruction.
[0058] For example, prioritizing the vehicle speed control instruction input from the touch
panel 28 in the automatic driving mode or the semi-automatic driving mode invalidates
the vehicle speed control instruction input from the mechanical operation unit 70,
after the vehicle speed control instruction is input by the touch panel 28, until
the driving control unit 84 completes the vehicle speed control. Specifically, when
the SLOWDOWN button 42 of the touch panel 28 is touched, the driving control unit
84 ignores the acceleration control instruction from the mechanical operation unit
70 and causes the autonomous vehicle 10 to decelerate, until the driving control unit
84 completes the deceleration control, even when the mechanical operation unit 70
is tilted forward.
[0059] Alternatively, in the case of operation in the automatic driving mode or the semi-automatic
driving mode, the vehicle speed control instruction from the touch panel 28 may be
prioritized by not receiving any vehicle speed control instruction from the mechanical
operation unit 70. In this case, in the automatic driving mode or the semi-automatic
driving mode, any vehicle speed control instruction from the mechanical operation
unit 70 is invalidated, regardless of whether the operator is operating the touch
panel 28.
[0060] In the case of operation in the automatic driving mode, the driving control unit
84 performs driving control for the autonomous vehicle 10 based on driving instructions
from the management center. However, the vehicle speed control instructions from the
touch panel 28 and the mechanical operation unit 70 are prioritized over the vehicle
speed control instructions from the management center. Further, in the case of operation
in the semi-automatic driving mode, the driving control unit 84 performs driving control
for the autonomous vehicle 10 based on detection results by various sensors of the
autonomous vehicle 10. However, the vehicle speed control instructions from the touch
panel 28 and the mechanical operation unit 70 are prioritized over the vehicle speed
control instructions based on detection results of various sensors.
[0061] As described above, in the present embodiment, the vehicle speed control instructions
input from the touch panel 28 are prioritized over the vehicle speed control instructions
input from the mechanical operation unit 70 in the automatic driving mode. Therefore,
even when the mechanical operation unit 70 is unwantedly operated by the operator
or another occupant while the operator is performing vehicle speed control using the
touch panel 28, performance of any vehicle speed control not intended by the operator
can be suppressed. Further, prioritizing the vehicle speed control instructions from
the touch panel 28 impels the operator to mainly operate the touch panel 28, in the
case of operation in the automatic driving mode. Therefore, the operator can easily
grasp information displayed on the touch panel (for example, vehicle information,
environmental information, and external messages).
[0062] When the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10 is the manual driving mode, the
driving control unit 84 may prioritize the vehicle speed control instructions input
from the mechanical operation unit 70 over the vehicle speed control instructions
input from the touch panel 28 and execute the vehicle speed control for the autonomous
vehicle 10 based on the prioritized instructions. For example, in the manual driving
mode, after the mechanical operation unit 70 inputs a vehicle speed control instruction,
until the driving control unit 84 completes the vehicle speed control, any vehicle
speed control instruction input from the touch panel 28 may be invalidated.
[0063] In addition, irrespective of the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10, the driving
control unit 84 prioritizes the stop instruction input from the emergency-stop operation
unit 34 over the vehicle speed control instructions input from the touch panel 28
and the mechanical operation unit 70 and causes the autonomous vehicle 10 to stop
immediately. Needless to say, the stop instruction input from the emergency-stop operation
unit 34 is prioritized over the vehicle speed control instructions from the management
center and the vehicle speed control instruction based on detection results by various
sensors of the autonomous vehicle 10. That is, regardless of the driving mode of the
autonomous vehicle 10, and regardless of how the touch panel 28 or the mechanical
operation unit 70 is operated, the autonomous vehicle 10 immediately stops when the
emergency-stop operation unit 34 is operated. Thus, the operator can stop the autonomous
vehicle 10 at any time in an emergency.
[0064] Although the embodiments of the autonomous vehicle speed control device according
to the present disclosure have been described, the autonomous vehicle speed control
device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments
and can be changed or modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof.